Numeric readout devices

ABSTRACT

A mechanical system for generating a numeric readout in indicating devices such as time pieces, calendars and the like. A face plate has opposed surfaces defining a matrix of openings therethrough. A disk means has a forward face with indicia disposed thereon in a predetermined arrangement. The disk means is mounted for rotation on a support adjacent to the face plate with the forward surface adjacent to one of the opposed surfaces of the face plate and in overlying relationship with the matrix of openings, whereby rotation of the disk means aligns predetermined indicia with predetermined openings of the matrix to generate a numeric readout through the matrix of openings.

United States Patent 151 3,681,917 [451 Aug. 8, 1972 Kroeger [S4] NUMERIC READOUT DEVICES [72] Inventor: Paul Kroeger, 311 Willet Road,

Philadelphia, Pa. 19114 [22] Filed: Feb. 19, 1971 [21] Appl.No.: 116,811

[52] US. Cl. ..$8/ 125 B [51] Int. Cl. ..G04b 19/02 [58] FieIdofSearch.....S8/l25 B, 126 A, 127 R, l R, 58/2, 152 R, l52 F, 152 G [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,650,123 11/1927 Gritton ....................58/l27 R 2,891,338 6/1959 Palamara ..40/ 132 G Primary Examiner-Stephen J. Tomsky Assistant Examiner-Stanley A. Wal Attomey-Karl L. Spivak [57] ABSTRACT A mechanical system for generating a numeric readout in indicating devices such as time pieces, calendars and the like. A face plate has opposed surfaces defining a matrix of openings therethrough. A disk means has a forward face with indicia disposed thereon in a predetermined arrangement. The disk means is mounted for rotation on a support adjacent to the face plate with the forward surface adjacent to one of the opposed surfaces of the face plate and in overlying relationship with the matrix of openings, whereby rotation of the disk means aligns predetermined indicia with predetermined openings of the matrix to generate a numeric readout through the matrix of openings.

3 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PATENTED 8 3.681.917 sum 1 as 3 INVENTOR PAUL KROEGER ATTORNEY.

FIG. 8

PATENTED E 8 1972 3.681.917 sum 3 DF 3 FIG. 3A

G\/ INVENTOR PAUL KROEGER BYMZW FIG. 4D ATTORNEY.

NUMERIC READOUT DEVICES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a system for producing a numeric readout for indicating time and for other indicating functions, and more specifically to a mechanical system for generating a numeric readout in time pieces, calendars and the like.

Alpha numeric systems which utilize a dot matrix for generating a readout have been known for many years. In these prior art systems, lights or other electrically actuated indicating means are disposed in a matrix, and predetermined groups of lights are lit to produce the alpha numeric readout. Complex electronic, or electrical switching circuitry is required to light these predetermined groups of lights to generate various alpha numeric characters. Therefore, these systems cannot be readily adapted to low cost systems, such as inexpensive clocks, watches, calendars and the like.

A mechanical system for generating a numeric readout for timepieces has recently been developed. This mechanical system uses flip over plates which have the alpha numeric characters printed thereon. This system requires several plates to generate a complete range of alpha numeric characters, and has many moving parts. Also, this mechanical system cannot be satisfactorily utilized in small time-pieces such as watches, since the numerals generated by such a system would be entirely too small for acceptable viewing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a unique system for generating a numeric readout, which is reliable in operation, has relatively few moving parts, and generates numerals of acceptable size for viewing when utilized in small indicating devices such as wrist watches. The system of this invention has a face plate with opposed surfaces defining a matrix of openings therethrough. A disk means has a forward face with indicia disposed thereon in a predetermined arrangement. The disk means is mounted for rotation adjacent one of the opposed surfaces of the face plate with its forward face overlying the matrix of openings. Means are provided for rotating the disk incrementally, through a predetermined angle of rotation at predetermined time intervals. In each fixed position of rotation, predetermined indicia are aligned with predetermined openings of the matrix to generate a numeric readout.

In the time-piece of this invention, four matrices of openings are provided in the face plate. Three disk means, each having indicia thereon in a predetermined arrangement, are disposed for rotation behind the face plate. One of the disk is positively driven by an escapement to rotate through a fixed increment once each minute whereby numerals are generated through one matrix of openings to indicate minute increments of time. The second disk means is connected to the first disk means through a gear arrangement which rotates the second disk means through a fixed increment once every ten minutes. This second disk means is aligned with a second matrix of openings adjacent the first matrix of openings for indicating ten minute increments of time. The third disk means is connected to the second disk means through a gear arrangement which rotates the third disk means through a fixed increment once each hour. The third disk means is aligned with the third and fourth matrices for indicating one hour increments of time.

In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the matrices of openings through which the minute increments of time, ten minute increments of time and the first digit of the hour increments of time are generated, are comprised of three columns of openings. Each column of openings contains five such openings and corresponding openings in each column are aligned in transverse rows. The matrix of openings for generating the second digit in the hours position is comprised of a single column of five openings. The columns of openings are preferably slanted at an angle of approximately 15 to the vertical, and the upper and lower marginal rows of openings are disposed at different distances from the center row of openings. The indicia on the disks, are disposed in a predetermined arrangement to block out those openings which do not define the numeral, i.e., the numerals are generated through openings of the matrices by the background portion of the disks upon which the indicia are located. In this preferred arrangement, the ratio of disk diameter to numeral height is approximately two to one and the mechanical elements can be housed in a casing having approximately the same height as the diameter of the disk. Prior art units of the same height generate a numerical readout which is only approximately one-third to one-fourth of the height of the numerical readout achieved with this invention.

A time-piece constructed according to this invention, can be economically constructed of approximate ly a dozen components, as opposed to prior art mechanical systems utilizing flip over plates which require many more components.

It is an object of this invention to provide a unique mechanical system for generating a numerical readout for use in indicating devices such as time-pieces, calendars and the like.

It is a further objects of this invention to provide a mechanical system for generating a numerical readout which is larger than numerical readouts generated in prior art systems of comparable size.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a unique time-piece which has relatively few components and which is economical to manufacture.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention will be had by referring to the following description and claims of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views and in which:

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an explosed isometric view of a numeric readout device constructed in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the device showing a representative time generated by the mechanical system of this invention.

FIG. 3A, 3B and 3C show the back, front and edge views respectively, of the minute-generating disk of this invention.

FIG. 3D shows the back mounting panel to which the motor and the minute-generating disk of the time-piece is mounted.

FIG. 4A, 4B, and 4C show the back, front and edge views respectively, of the ten-minute generating disk.

FIG. 4D shows the intermediate mounting panel to which the ten-minute-generating disk is mounted.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show the back, front and edge views, respectively, of the hour-generating disk.

FIG. 5D show the forward mounting panel to which the hour-generating disk is mounted.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the time-piece with the cover removed.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the time-piece.

FIG. 8 is a representative matrix of openings through which numerals are generated.

FIG. 9 shows the manner in which indicia are aligned with predetermined openings, whereby the openings which are not in alignment with the indicia define the numerals from 0 through 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of my invention selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a digital time-piece is shown which utilizes the mechanical system of this invention for producing a numeric readout. It is to be understood that the mechanical system of this invention can also be utilized in other indicating devices, such as calendars and the like by minor modifications and still fall within the scope of this invention.

The digital time-piece shown in FIG. 1 is in the form of a clock 10 having a casing 12 defined by a main body section 14 and a cover section 16. The cover section 16 is substantially L-shaped to define the back wall 13 and the top wall of the casing 12. The back wall 13 of the clock 10 is disposed in opposed rear channels 18 and 20 of the main body section. The cover section snaps in place when it is fully assembled with the main body section 14 through the cooperation of nibs 21 on the walls defining channels 18 and 20 and recesses 23 formed in the back wall 13 of the cover section 16 (FIG. 1). A cut-out region 22 is provided in the back wall of the cover section 16 to provide an outlet for a power cord, in the event that the digital time-piece is electrically operated.

The clock 10 has a front wall 24 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 6) defined by an opposed surfaces 23, 25. Four matrices 26, 28, and 32, are defined in the front wall by rows and columns of openings, and the numerals for indicating the time-piece are generated through these four matrices (FIGS. 1 and 2). A pair of dots 34 (FIGS. 2) for separating the hour matrices 26, 28, from the tenminute matrix 30 and the minute matrix 32, can be painted in the front wall 24, or can be comprised of separate elements which are glued, or fastened by other suitable means into the front wall 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 6, the mechanical elements for generating a numerical read-out through the four matrices in the front wall 24 will now be described.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, a minute-generating disk 36 is disposed in overlying relationship with the minute matrix of openings 32. A ten-minute-generating disk 38 is disposed in overlying relationship with the ten minute matrix of openings 30. A hour-generating disk 40 is disposed in overlying relationship with the hour generating matrices 26, 28. Each of the disks 36, 38 and 40 are provided with suitable indicia disposed in a predetermined pattern on the face thereof which overlies its respective matrix. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the indicia are in the form of dots which are substantially the same color as the front surface 23 of the front wall 24 of the casing 12 (FIGS. 3B, 4B and 5B). These dots are adapted to be aligned with predetermined openings of respective matrices whereby a desired numerical representation is generaged by the openings of the matrices which are not in alignment with the dots.

A synchronous timing motor 42 of conventional design is provided for controlling the complete time generating function of the clock. The motor has a sealed gear train with an output shaft 44 that is rotated at one revolution per minute. (FIGS. 1 and 6). The output shaft 44 has a spur gear 46 thereon, and the spur gear has a single tooth 48 formed integrally therewith. (FIG. 6). The motor is mounted to a back mounting panel 50 (FIGS. 3D and 6) through spaced openings 52 therein (FIG. 3D) by suitable screws 54 (only one being shown in FIG. 6). The output shaft 44 and the spur gear 46 project through an enlarged opening 56 (FIG. 3D and 6) in the back panel 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A C, the details of construction of the minute-generating disk 36 will be described. The minute-generating disk 36 has a forward face 58 upon which indicia, in the form of dots, are disposed in a predetermined pattern for generating numerals through the matrix of openings 32. The minute-generating disk 36 has a forward spur gear 60, a rearward spur gear 62, a forward mounting shaft 64 and a rearward mounting shaft 66. The rearward mounting shaft 66 is disposed for rotation in an opening 68 formed in the back mounting panel 50 (FIGS. 3D and 6). The forward mounting shaft 64 is disposed in opening 70 in an intermediate mounting panel 72 (FIGS. 4D and 6). Referring to FIG. 3A, the rearward spur gear 62 has ten teeth equally disposed about the periphery thereof. The single tooth 48 on the spur gear 46 of the output shaft of the timing motor 42, will cooperate with a groove disposed between adjacent teeth of the rearward spur gear 62 once every revolution of the output shaft 44 of the timing motor 42. Since the output shaft 44 is rotated one-revolution every minute, the minute-generating disk 36 will be rotated one-tenth of a revolution (36) every minute (each time the tooth 48 of the spur gear 46 comes into engagement with a groove disposed between adjacent teeth of rearward spur gear 62). With one-tenth revolution of the minute generating disk 36, the indicia on the forward face 58 will align with the openings of the minute matrix 32 to generate a numeral. The indicia are so disposed that the sequential numerals from 0 through 9 are generated with each complete three hundred and sixty degree rotation of the minute-generating disk 36. The minute-generating disk 36 will make one complete revolution in ten minutes, since the movement of disk 36 through three hundred and 60 will require ten revolutions of the output shaft 44 of the timing motor, and the output shaft is designed to rotate at one revolution per minute. The forward spur gear 60 of the minute-generating disk 36 is provided with a single tooth thereon. (FIG. 3B).

The ten-minute generating disk 38 (FIGS. 4A-C) has a forward face 74 with indicia formed thereon in a predetermined arrangement and a rearward face 75. The ten-minute-generating disk 38 has a forward spur gear 76, a rearward spur gear 78, a forward mounting shaft 80 and a rearward mounting shaft 82. The rearward mounting shaft 82 is disposed between the rearward spur gear 78 and the rearward surface 75 of the disk 38. The rearward mounting shaft 82 is received in an elongated slot 84 extending downwardly from the upper surface 86 of the intermediate mounting panel 72 (FIGS. 4D and 6), and is disposed for rotation in the circular mounting opening 88 at the base of the slot 84. (FIG. 4D). The forward mounting shaft 80 is disposed in the openings 92 extending through a forward mounting panel 94 (FIGS. 5D and 6). The rearward spur gear 78 is disposed adjacent the rear surface 90 of the intermediate mounting panel 72 (FIG. 6) to cooperate with the forward spur gear 60 on the minute-generating disk 36.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the rearward spur gear 78 is provided with twelve teeth about the periphery thereof, and the indicia on the forward face 74 are disposed in a predetermined pattern to generate sequentially the numerical representation -5-0-5. Therefore, each onehalf revolution of the ten-minute generating disk 38 will generate a complete hour. The reason for arranging the indicia on the ten-minute-generating disk to generate a complete hour in one-half revolution is to permit a sequential change of numbers through small, angular intermittent displacements of 30. If the tenminute-generating disk 38 were calibrated to generate the numerals 0 sequentially in one complete three hundred and 60 revolution, each intermittent angular displacement of the disk would be 60. This is a large angular displacement, which can provide undue stress on the gear teeth, and which will create discrepancies or inaccuracies in the time generating function. The forward spur gear 76 (FIG. 4B) is provided with a pair of teeth disposed at one hundred and 80 with respect to each other.

The hour-generating disk 40 has a forward face 96 with indicia thereon, for generating sequentially the numerals l 12 in each complete revolution of said disk. The hour-generating disk 40 has a rearward spur gear 100 spaced from the rear surface of the disk by a rearward mounting shaft 102. The mounting shaft 102 is inserted into a circular mounting opening 104 which defines the base of an elongated slot 106 extending through the upper surface 108 of the forward mounting panel 94 (FIG. 5D). The hour-generating disk 40 is provided with a forward shaft 112 which seats in an opening in the rear surface 25 of the front wall 24 of the casing 12 (FIG. 6). The rearward spur gear 100 is provided with twelve teeth, and cooperates with the forward spur gear 76 on the ten-minute-generating disk 38. In each one-half revolution of the ten-minutegenerating disk, one tooth on the forward spur gear 76 engages a corresponding valley between adjacent teeth of the rearward spur gear of the hour-generating disk to rotate the hour-generating disk one-twelfth of a revolution. The indicia on the forward face 96 of the hour-generating wheel 40 cooperates with predetermined openings in the hour matrices 26, 28 to sequentially generate the numerals l 12.

Referring to FIG. 3D, a locking spring 116 is mounted on the forward face of the back panel 50, and has a raised nub 118 thereon adapted to cooperate with the valleys of the rearward spur gear 62 on the minutegenerating disk 36 to firmly retain this disk in its proper position for generating the desired numeral. A locking spring 120 having a raised nip 122 is provided on the rear surface of the intermediate mounting panel 72, and a locking spring 124 having a raised nip 126 is mounted on the rear surface of the forward mounting panel 94 to provide the same function as the lock spring 116 for the ten-minute-generating disk 38 and the hour-generating disk 40, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the bottom panel 128 of the casing 12 is provided with three elongated slots 130, 132 and 134 through which the minute-generating disk 36, ten-minute generating disk 38 and hour-generating disk 40 respectively, project. This arrangement permits an easy manual setting of the time. The disks are disposed on the under-side of the clock to prevent a changing of the time by inadvertent contact with the disks.

The complete assembly of the generating disks 36, 38 and 40, the synchronous timing motor 42, and the mounting panels 50, 72 and 94, are first assembled together, and then inserted into the main body section 14 of the casing. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, it can be seen that the various mounting panels are received in opposed channels associated with the main body section 14 to positively retain the complete assembly in a desired position within the casing 12. The L-shaped cover section 16 is then assembled to the main body section to define a closed system.

Referring to FIG. 8, the preferred arrangement of openings for defining the matrices 28, 30 and 32 will now be described. These matrices are identical, and each has the relationships of openings shown in FIG. 8, and which will now be described. Each of the abovereferred to matrices is defined by three columns 160, 162 and 164 respectively, which are parallel to each other. Each column is defined by five openings, and respective openings in each column are disposed in rows 150, 152, 154, 156, 158. The columns 160, 162 are 164 are equally spaced from each other. The center row is equally spaced from the intermediate upper row 156 and the intermediate lower row 158; however, the spacing between the center row 150 and the upper marginal row 152 is different from the spacing between the center row and the lower marginal row 154. The columns 160, 162 and 164 are disposed at a slight acute angle from the vertical.

The hour matrix 26 is merely one column of openings. The openings in the matrix 26 has the same positional relationship with respect to each other and with respect to the vertical as the openings in each column of the other matrices 28, 30 and 32.

With the arrangement of openings in the various matrices, it has been found that for a time-piece of given dimensions, the numerals generated will be three to four times larger than those generated with prior art numerical generating systems in time-pieces of comparable dimensions. This dimensional relationship exists when the numerals are generated by the blocking out of openings which are not required to define the shape of the numerals. This arrangement for generating numerals is clearly shown in the same time representation shown in FIG. 2, and in the numerical representation shown in FIG. 9. In order to generate the numerals by utilizing the indicia on respective disks to actually define the numerals, numerical generating disks approximately three times as large would be required.

It is preferable that the front wall 24 of the clock 10 be of the same color as the indicia on the hour generating wheel, and that the indicia on the hour generating disk be aligned with all the openings in the hour matrix 26, during the generation of the hours 1 9, and that all openings in the hour matrix 26 be unobstructed during the generating of the hours of 10 12.

It is contemplated that the columns of the matrix could be substantially vertical, (as opposed to being inclined to the vertical). in this arrangement, numerals can be defined directly by the indicia, or the indicia can be utilized to block out those openings which do not form a part of the numerals. In either situation, the matrix of openings when the columns are straight is approximately half the height as the slanted matrix, and therefore, will not define numerals of maximum height relative to the dimensions of a time-piece. Also, for a specific opening diameter, the disks must be larger if the matrix of openings is slanted and disposed relative to each other as described above. Stating this another way, for a given disk size, the opening diameter in the matrices can be increased by a factor of two.

It has been found that the numerals generated with a slanted matrix are approximately one-half the height of the generating disk diameters.

These dimensions reproduced below are intended as an example of the size of components for a wrist watch, and are not intended to be limiting on the scope of the invention.

diameter of disks l- 1 [32 inches numeral height Vi inch (prior art 56 inch) opening diameter in [/32 inch matrices distance from center- .103 inches row of matrices to adjacent rows distance from center row to upper row .220

inches distance from center row to lower row .224

inches distance between column .0625 inch 1/6 inch) angle of each column from vertical l5 degrees manufactured from three mounting panels, three timegenerating disks, a two-section casing, and a motor.

It is understood that the sizes of time-pieces and other indicating devices can be varied by merely proilfi rh s ml i or iimiief l ul r'liriefihgenerating disks are doubled in diameter, the height of the slanted matrices can also be doubled, and the size of each opening in the matrix can be doubled.

The clock 10 of this invention has been described as being operated by an electrical synchronous motor having a one revolution per minute output shaft. It is understood that any type of escapement mechanism can be utilized in place of the motor, so long as it is adapted to rotate the minute wheel one increment each minute.

The clock 10 of this invention is shown as having a stepped front wall 24, so that the various generating disks will be disposed close to its corresponding matrix at openings. lt is within the scope of this invention to reduce the thickness of the various disks such that a substantially flat front wall 24 section can be utilized, and so that a time-piece, such as a wrist watch, can be made substantially flat.

lclaim:

1. A time-piece having a mechanical system for generating a numerical readout indicating time, comprising A. a face plate having opposed surfaces defining a one-minute matrix of openings through which a numerical readout indicating each minute will be generated, a ten-minute matrix of openings through which a numerical readout indicating each ten minutes will be generated, and an hour matrix of openings through which a numerical readout indicating each hour will be generated;

B. three disk means, each disk means having a forward face with indicia disposed thereon in a predetermined arrangement; and

C. support means for rotatably mounting each of said three disk means adjacent said face plate with said forward surface of each disk means adjacent the same one of said opposed surfaces of said face plate and in overlying relationship with said minute-matrix of openings, said ten-minute-matrix of openings and said hour matrix of openings respectively;

D. escapement means for rotating the disk means overlying said minute-matrix of openings through a predetermined angular increment once approximately each minute for sequentially generating numerals from 0 through 9; and

E. interconnecting gear means on said three disk means for generating ten-minute and hour numerical readouts.

2. The time-piece according to claim 1 wherein said gear means associated with each of said disk means is integrally formed with said disk means.

3. The time-piece according to claim 2 wherein said escapement means is a one revolution per minute synchronous motor.

II I II II i 

1. A time-piece having a mechanical system for generating a numerical readout indicating time, comprising A. a face plate having opposed surfaces defining a one-minute matrix of openings through which a numerical readout indicating each minute will be generated, a ten-minute matrix of openings through which a numerical readout indicating each ten minutes will be generated, and an hour matrix of openings through which a numerical readout indicating each hour will be generated; B. three disk means, each disk means having a forward face with indicia disposed thereon in a predetermined arrangement; and C. support means for rotatably mounting each of said three disk means adjacent said face plate with said forward surface of each disk means adjacent the same one of said opposed surfaces of said face plate and in overlying relationship with said minute-matrix of openings, said ten-minute-matrix of openings and said hour matrix of openings respectively; D. escapement means for rotating the disk means overlying said minute-matrix of openings through a predetermined angular increment once approximately each minute for sequentially generating numerals from 0 through 9; and E. interconnecting gear means on said three disk means for generating ten-minute and hour numerical readouts.
 2. The time-piece according to claim 1 wherein said gear means associated with each of said disk means is integrally formed with said disk means.
 3. The time-piece according to claim 2 wherein said escapement means is a one revolution per minute synchronous motor. 